The FAO Partnership Award recognizes institutions or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding cooperation with FAO to advance global food security and sustainable agrifood systems. It includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and a scroll of recognition. Eligible nominees include FAO Member countries, UN agencies, international institutions, academic/research entities, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and media outlets that can show meaningful collaboration and impact aligned with FAO’s strategic goals. Nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or Director to be valid. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Partnership Award
awards/prizes
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Biodiversity Conservation
The BBVA Foundation makes awards for biodiversity conservation in Spain and internationally. The Foundation’s goal is to publicly recognize the work done by conservationist organizations, institutions and agencies in carrying forward environmental conservation policies and projects. For Spain, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation, and another award of €80 thousand for environmental communication. For the rest of the world, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation. Applications for the worldwide award can be submitted in Spanish or English. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2026. Biodiversity Conservation Awards
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2025
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 31 December 2025. Water Innovation Prize
Grawemeyer Awards — Idea Competition
The Grawemeyer Awards recognize transformative, practical ideas that promote world peace, global security, human rights, or international cooperation. The award focuses on specific works, such as books, essays or analytical papers, that offer new and practical ways to improve world order. The competition is open to individuals or teams anywhere in the world. The award includes a US$100 thousand prize. Entries must be submitted by 30 January 2026. Grawemeyer Awards
Harvard University — Arboretum Research Scholar Award
The Arboretum Research Scholar Award supports early-career scientists, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers conducting plant-focused research that aligns with the Arboretum’s living collections, herbarium, archives, or scientific priorities in areas such as botany, ecology, evolution, and conservation. Awardees receive up to US$10 thousand to support research expenses including travel, lodging, materials, or access to Arboretum resources. The program is open to researchers worldwide, and projects may be short-term or exploratory in nature. Applications are accepted until 01 February 2026. Arboretum Research Scholar Award
International Fund for Animal Welfare — International Youth Art Contest
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) invites young artists worldwide to submit original hand-drawn artwork to the World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026. The theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. Finalists and winners will be showcased at the official World Wildlife Day (March 2026). The contest is free to enter, and all artwork must be created with traditional media (markers, crayons, colored pencils, or paint), scanned or photographed in high resolution, and submitted online by 01 February 2026. Youth Art Contest
Food and Agriculture Organization — Recognizing Excellence in Agriculture and Food Security
The FAO Achievement Award recognizes individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security. Winners receive a scroll of recognition and a cash prize of US$10 thousand. Nominations can be submitted by national or regional institutions through FAO Representatives. The award is presented annually during World Food Day. The nomination period closes on 15 February 2026. FAO Achievement Award
Royal Society — Darwin Medal
The Darwin Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the study of evolution, population biology, organismal biology, or biodiversity, in the spirit of Charles Darwin’s legacy. It is open to scientists of any nationality, with no age or career-stage restrictions, and is awarded biennially based on nominations rather than direct applications. The medal comes with a £2,000 monetary award and a silver-gilt medal. Nominations are submitted by peers, institutions, or learned societies. The closing date for nominations is 20 February 2026. Nominate here
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Community Resilience Prize
The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize seeks technology-enabled solutions building climate-resilient communities while creating meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities in Brazil, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The prize is open to organizations, startups, NGOs, social enterprises, and innovators worldwide, particularly those working directly with vulnerable or frontline communities. Selected winners receive US$50 thousand in grant funding. The application deadline is 25 February 2026. Details here